Maailmanvaihto represents in Finland the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) network.
The ICYE network offers international volunteering opportunities for young people. It operates altogether in over 40 countries in Africa, Europe, Latin America & the USA, and Asia-Oceania.
The mission of ICYE is to provide high quality and impactful intercultural learning experiences and opportunities, as well as capacity building, to all involved in work of ICYE, so that they can better contribute for a just, peaceful and sustainable world; especially supporting young people in building personal and professional competencies.
In cooperation the ICYE organisations develop further the quality of the ICYE voluntary work program, organize training, and share experiences and information. The organizations have agreed upon minimum quality standards to ensure high quality for the program in each member country.
ICYE has also these policies for its activities:
ICYE has cooperation with UNESCO and UN-Economic and Social Council and it is a participating member of the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS), UNITED for Intercultural Action, CIVICUS, and World Council of Churches. In 1987, in recognition of “a significant contribution to the programme and objectives of the International Year of Peace, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly”, the UN designated ICYE as a Peace Messenger.
ICYE is a Federation of national committees which are autonomous bodies with national offices and local networks of volunteers. In each country the voluntary work program can be adapted to the needs of youth of the country and developed further on this base, following the policies and guidelines prepared and adopted by the General Assembly of the Federation.
General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the Federation. It meets every second year, with a representative from each national member national committee.
Board of Managers acts and decides on behalf of the General Assembly in between General Assemblies. It meets twice a year.
International Office Carries out and coordinates activities and programs as decided by the General Assembly. It is located in Berlin, Germany. Its tasks also include developing further the voluntary work program and creating new co-operation networks.
You can find on the website of the ICYE Federation introductions of Full and Associate Member National Committees of ICYE.
